TLDR: The Shareholders’ Agreement Most Companies Do Not Have

by johnireland | Business Builder

Most UK SMEs with more than one shareholder never put a shareholders’ agreement in place. Without one, the Companies Act and model articles decide what happens — and the defaults are poor. Shares pass to the deceased’s family under their Will, so you can...

The Shareholders’ Agreement Most UK Companies Do Not Have — And What Happens Without One

by johnireland | Articles

The Document Everyone Means to Sort Out Two people start a company. They incorporate online, take fifty shares each, use the default model articles, and get on with the work. Five, ten, fifteen years later the business is worth a serious amount of money — and the...

TLDR: New Trust Registration Rules From 30 June 2026

by johnireland | Legal Spotlight

Amended money laundering regulations changed the Trust Registration Service rules on 30 June 2026. Some non-UK trusts with UK links are now caught for the first time, while genuinely low-risk trusts get new easements. Because it cuts both ways, every trust needs...

The New Trust Registration Rules Are Now in Force — What Every Trustee Must Do Since 30 June 2026

by johnireland | Articles

A Quiet Change With Real Consequences On 30 June 2026, amended money laundering regulations changed the rules for the Trust Registration Service. The reform widens registration requirements for some trusts — particularly certain non-UK trusts with UK connections —...

TLDR: Pensions and Inheritance Tax From April 2027

by johnireland | Estate Planning Essentials

From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and death benefits will count towards your estate for inheritance tax — legislated in Finance Act 2026, with HMRC’s technical note (updated 29 May 2026) setting out the mechanics. Pensions stop being the tax shelter...